Direct funding refers to funds for supports that are provided directly to people and families. When funds are in the hands of people and families, they are able to have choice and control over the services and supports that they want and need and tailor their own supports.
This is important so that children, people, and families are able to access adequate supports to live meaningful, everyday lives.
Currently, there are a few Direct Funding programs available in Ontario, which are outlined below.
Definitions of Personalized Funding
| Special Services at Home (SSAH) |
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| This program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services. It helps families pay for special services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program. |
| Learn how to apply at the Ministry’s website here. |
| Passport |
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| This is an individualized funding program that a person 18 years or over who lives with a disability can apply for through an agency of the government called Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) in order to participate and live their life in the community. This funding will provide the funds to hire a support worker to assist your son/daughter in adulthood. |
| Learn how to apply for this and other supports at the Ministry’s DSO website here. |
| Family Managed Home Care |
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| Through the Family-Managed Home Care program, eligible patients or their substitute decision-makers, receive funding to purchase home care services or employ care providers. This offers greater flexibility and choice as those approved for Family-Managed Home Care choose their provider, determine how and when the care plan is delivered and handle all related administrative tasks including managing providers, funding and reporting requirements. Patients must first have an assessment completed to determine their needs, meet the general and specific eligibility requirements for traditional home care and have a plan of service developed by Ontario Health at Home. Family-Managed Home Care is designed for eligible patients in the following groups: – Children with complex medical needs – Adults with acquired brain injuries – Eligible home-schooled children – Patients in extraordinary circumstances, as assessed by Ontario Health at Home (Ministry Definition) |
| Visit the Ontario Health at Home webpage to learn more |
| Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care Family Managed Home Care Fact Sheet – Waterloo Wellington LHIN |
| Family Managed Home Care Substitute Decision Maker Program Checklist |
People for Personalized Funding 